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CEO Sleepout – York’s top executives sleep rough to raise funds for homeless in York

Business leaders and executives from across York are set to unite for the city’s take on the CEO Sleepout next week, aiming to raise over £50,000 to help combat poverty and homelessness across York.

This national charity was set up to help fight homelessness and poverty. Sleepout events are held across the UK by enlisting company directors who are willing to give up just one night of comfort to raise funds for those who find themselves without a roof over their head.

Over fifty of York’s senior executives will be sleeping outside this Monday 16 April to raise awareness of homelessness and raise funds. CEO’s are being invited to set up their beds for the night in the stands pitch-side at York Racecourse – in a bid to smash the whopping £110,000 Sleepout fundraising achieved by Newcastle’s business community earlier this year.

Among those taking part in the city’s effort is Steve Brown, CEO of Make It York. As he gears up to spend a night outside, he hopes the city’s sleepout will shine a light on York’s generosity.

“Homelessness is a country-wide issue but something key partners and local charities are also working together on to try and eradicate. I would like to see the problem solved, so time to put my money where my mouth is. Although I won’t come close to experiencing true homelessness, I fully understand the seriousness of this situation.”

Swapping his briefcase for a sleeping bag and set to join Steve is William Derby, Chief Executive, York Racecourse who helms the city's famous racing venue. William said:

“The sleepout initiative is a brilliant way of raising the issue and helping to raise much needed funds for local charities. We were delighted to take part by offering the venue and look forward to smashing our fundraising target.”

Funds raised from the York event will go to Changing Lives, who work at the front line of homelessness and rough sleeping provision in York. Other local charities will benefit too such as Acomb's Chill in the Community, a café, hub and arts space in Acomb, working to help break down barriers within social groups and creating a positive attitude towards the area. There’s still time to take part in the York CEOSleepout and you can sign up at www.ceosleepoutuk.com/york . To donate visit www.justgiving.com